Support Groups in Myrtle Beach, SC
Finding a community can make all the difference when you transition from supportive care, such as short-term rehab. Local support groups can provide new friends, accountability, and guidance on where to turn next. In this blog, we will look at support groups in the Myrtle Beach area and how they can help you.
If you or a loved one could benefit from 12 Steps to Recovery, contact Myrtle Beach Recovery to learn about our comfortable residential setting.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
Most know of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and for good reason. They often run daily groups and have many options for support. The Grand Strand Intergroup of AA also runs a 24/7 hotline for anyone seeking help or meeting info (843-445-7119).
Alamo Club of Myrtle Beach is a self-support group in a clubhouse located on 67th Avenue North. It hosts more than 50 AA and Al-Anon meetings each week. There are even meetings first thing in the morning at 6:30 AM.
These are great meeting options to help you find your people. Many newcomers find a sponsor (an experienced member) in AA who can guide them through the 12 Steps and help navigate life’s challenges after rehab.
Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
For those who struggle with substance addiction, Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a good option and has a similar 12-step approach to AA. Members share how they stay clean and offer encouragement to newcomers. After short-term rehab, NA can help you build a routine (there are meetings every day) and accountability. You can also get a sponsor in NA to work through the 12 Steps, which many find crucial for learning how to live drug-free outside of a structured rehab setting.
The Myrtle Beach area NA (part of the Sun City Area) is very active, currently 19 groups hold 51 meetings per week across Horry County and the Grand Strand.
NA meetings take place in various local venues: community centers, churches, and even coffee shops. For example, the Hugs Not Drugs NA group meets at 12:00 PM on North Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach, and other groups like How It Works and Superfriends meet in spots around town (from downtown Myrtle Beach to Socastee).
No matter which meeting you attend, you’ll find a welcoming circle of people who have walked the same path. See this blog for more information on how to get help in South Carolina for drug addiction.
SMART Recovery
Not everyone enjoys the 12-step approach, which is where SMART Recovery can help. This is a science-based support group, and it stands for Self-Management and Recovery Training. During these meetings, you can learn practical tools to help with urges, life stressors, etc. There are online options at all sorts of times.
SMART Recovery meetings are typically small and conversational. You won’t find prayers or step work, but you might do exercises on identifying triggers, or brainstorm solutions to a tough situation you’re facing after rehab.
Faith-Based Groups
Myrtle Beach is also home to several faith-based recovery groups. One popular option is Celebrate Recovery (CR), a Christian 12-step program open to anyone dealing with “hurts, habits, or hang-ups.” Beach Church in Myrtle Beach hosts a Celebrate Recovery meeting every Friday night on campus. They even start with a free 6:00 PM dinner for fellowship, followed by the main recovery meeting at 7:00 PM.
In these meetings, you might hear testimonies of changed lives and explore the 8 Recovery Principles (based on the Beatitudes from the Bible) that parallel AA’s steps.
Another local example is the Life Recovery group at Myrtle Beach Christian Church (sometimes called Every Life Matters). They meet every Monday at 6:30 PM (with a light fellowship dinner at 6:30 and group at 7:00) for a biblically inspired 12-step class. The emphasis is on caring and listening
Moving Forward
Building a community of people who understand what you have been through is important for recovery. No matter which method you choose, reducing isolation can help you remain sober.
And remember that professional support is always available too. If you or a loved one needs a more structured environment again, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Myrtle Beach Recovery is a local residential rehab center (located just outside Myrtle Beach) that offers programs focusing on the 12-step immersion process. Reach out and let’s continue the journey together.
